Summary: The iPAQ IA-1 is stylish looking Internet appliance that is easy to set up and use. People unfamiliar with computers or the Internet would find this an easy way to get their digital feet wet. Compared with the costs of other Internet appliances we have reviewed, the iPAQ IA-1's price may be the hardest to justify.

Pros: Keyboard has a nice feel to it. Passive matrix displays stink, but IA-1's looked better than the passive matrix LCDs we've seen in other Internet appliances.

Cons: Too expensive for an Internet Appliance. The keyboard's narrow IR field caused it to lose its connection with the base quite easily. The keyboard's built-in pointing device was tough to use, making it difficult to place the cursor accurately on screen. MSN Internet Access is the only ISP available.

Company: Compaq
Phone: 1.800.888.0220
Price: $399 - $400 rebate with three-year MSN subscription, $200 rebate with two-year MSN subscription, $100 rebate with one-year MSN subscription, $21.95 a month for MSN Internet Access
Available: Now
Category: Internet appliance
Specs: 266 AMD K6 CPU; 32MB RAM; 10.1 inch LCD flat panel; built-in speaker; IR keyboard; 56K modem; four USB ports; SSL 128-bit encryption.
Requirements: MSN Internet Access